On January 1st, 2014, coverage for high risk pools (HRP) and Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plans (PCIP) was terminated. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows the Secretary of HHS to provide for the transition of PCIP enrollees into qualified health plans offered through the Health Insurance Marketplaces (or Exchanges).

With less than 3 weeks before the end of open enrollment into health insurance coverage for 2014, navigators and other consumer assisters continue to field tough questions from individuals and families exploring their coverage options. To help answer those questions, Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms created a comprehensive resource guide on private health insurance and the new health insurance marketplaces.

With less than 3 weeks before the end of open enrollment into health insurance coverage for 2014, navigators and other consumer assisters continue to field tough questions from individuals and families exploring their coverage options. To help answer those questions, Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms created a comprehensive resource guide on private health insurance and the new health insurance marketplaces.

The ACA established new appeal rights for consumers facing a denial of a benefit or service from their health plan. As consumers start to use their new coverage, it’s worth taking a look at the health plan appeals process required of all new (non-grandfathered) plans and what these new rights mean for patients.

Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act, also known as healthcare reform, has been in effect since October 1, 2013 and will end on March 31, 2014. While there were initial complications with enrollment, nearly 3.3 million people have enrolled in plans in the Health Insurance Marketplaces as of February 1, 2014.